PICTURE: 18-Year-Old Abused Elephant Airlifted To Safety

18-year-old ailing elephant, Lakshmi, was whisked to safety from cruel owners in Muland, India.

A team of 20 officers used a hydraulic crane during a nighttime operation and rescued Lakshmi. 

The elephant, who suffers from various ailments including, obesity and acute arthritis, was used for street begging and her owners had attempted to conceal her from authorities.

Due to the state of her health, the animal was unable to move, which resulted in the Forest Department of Maharashtra and NGO, Wildlife SOS calling in the help of a crane, to lift her to safety. 

Wildlife SOS veterinarian, Dr Yaduraj Khadpekar, said: "The rescue operation had to be executed at very short notice when the Forest Department located where the elephant had been hidden by the owner.

"I am glad that we were able to successfully rescue Lakshmi. All along the journey from Mumbai to Mathura we had to keep resting and feeding Lakshmi while ensuring she was safe and not stressed from the journey."

Lakshmi is now recovering in her new home at the Wildlife SOS centre.